We are thrilled to have guest speaker Brenda Gael Smith, of Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting speak at our February 5th meeting. She will be joining us via Zoom from the central coast of New South Wales, Australia. Brenda Gael’s lectures and workshops emphasize free form piecing, effective design and use of color to create a fun atmosphere that encourages creative momentum.

Don’t miss her February 6th Workshop!

Her class, Geometricks is sure to improve and innovate your improvisation skills by 100%. You will learn tips and tricks for creating geometric shapes with freeform piecing: triangles, quadrilaterals, and hexagons. You will be able to explore the design possibilities of repeating motifs and learn how to join irregular shaped blocks.

The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members and runs from 2 to 5 pm.

To sign up for the workshop:

Send an email to iemodernquiltguild@gmail.com letting us know you are taking the class and let us know if you will be paying via PayPal or personal check. We’ll send you the Zoom link for the class and the class supply list. Solid reading colors work best.

Get to know our Volunteers

Volunteers are the fuel that powers our guild. We would not exist without the efforts of these wonderful members. This month we are featuring four of our committee chairpersons who have volunteered repeatedly throughout the years. Next month we will feature a few more. We still have open volunteer opportunities . Volunteering is a great way to get to know our talented members and with Zoom, it is easier than ever to volunteer from the comfort of your own home. Please consider being a volunteer. We would love to have you.

Kimberly Wingert, Membership Chairperson

My background is in art history and I love the history of American quilts and quilt culture. I began quilting because of my love of modern quilts and Amish quilts which are connected by their simple beauty. I was born in Southern California, but grew up mostly in Minnesota. I returned to Southern California to finish high school. My husband, Andy and I were happily married for 38 years. We have four adult children, two boys and two girls. Sadly we lost Andy suddenly in 2020. I am so thankful for the time we had him in our lives. Although it pushes me a little out of my comfort zone, I am happy to support our guild by volunteering as Membership Chairperson.

Becky Brekke, Fundraising Chairperson

I am happy to volunteer to be the Fundraising Chairperson this year! I have served in a variety of positions since I joined the guild in 2017: Social Media, Secretary, Co VP-Programs, and VP Communications. I have enjoyed the time I have spent on the Board immensely, but this year decided to step back and take a much-needed break. This move also gives others the opportunity to get involved – the experience is truly priceless. 

If you didn’t know, I am an Illinois native and a California transplant for the past 12 years. My husband Tim and I thought we’d only be living in California for 3-4 years – lol! We share our home with our two fur babies, Emily, 16 and Archie, 7 months! And this year my dad became a snowbird and is staying with us until the weather is bearable in Illinois. So, as you can imagine, there’s never a dull moment. I am a contract administrator/office manager for a small family business specializing in the water/wastewater business. I have been in this industry since 1996 and is how I met my husband in 2001! 

If you’d like to get your feet wet and join a committee – come join me in fundraising; it is very rewarding to help insure the guild’s financial success for the upcoming year. A few years ago, I led the guild’s fundraising event called UpCycle Sale Event. It was very successful, and I feel we need something like this again. It motivates me to DESTASH! Contact me or any board member with any questions!

Barbara Mathews, Facilities and Retreat Chairperson

Hi, I’m Barbara Mathews, widowed with three grown daughters, 5 (pretty much gown) grandchildren and a great grandson on the way. I’ve been sewing as long as I can remember – from making Barbie doll clothes, to my own clothes, then my children and grandchildren’s clothes!  Now, I get to make some goodies for my soon-to-arrive great-grandson! 

I’ve been quilting for about 15 years, and enjoy a wide variety of projects.  I’m leaning more toward smaller projects – lap-size quilts, table runners, art quilts – and I’m really enjoying felted wool applique and collage.

I belong to two guilds, and have made many good friends over the years, hosting a couple of friendship sewing groups at my home in Lake Mathews.  Currently, I’m Committee Chair for retreats and facilities, securing and making arrangements for retreats and places to hold our regular meetings and other gatherings.  I would welcome any suggestions in these two areas.

Evie Rienstra, Block of the Month Chairperson

My interest in quilting began at age 3 when I was given a crazy quilt made with conversation prints and embroidery on every seam including the seams hidden under the whisker shield. That quilt ultimately ignited my desire to learn how to make my own quilts; however, I had no idea how or where to learn.

Eventually I attended an Eleanor Burns lecture and a spark was lit. Within a short time, I completed my first quilt — a log cabin, of course. Two years later I joined my first quilt guild and found a community that shares my passion. I’ve joined a few more guilds since then. Like potato chips, sometimes one isn’t enough.

My goal with the IEMQG Block of the Month is to provide patterns that spark the imagination and stimulate creativity. I look forward to seeing what is produced with this year’s BOMs.